Improvement in skirt-supporters



, Z Sheets-Sheet 1. W. W. 'TOWSON. Y

` SKIRT-SUPP'ORTER.

N. PETERS, FHOTD-LITHOGRAPHER. WASHING'VION, D CV 2 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Patented AprlS, 1877.

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NITE STA-TES WILLIAM W..TOWSON, OF BALTIMORE, MARYLAND.

IMPROVEMENT IN SKIRT-SUPPORTERS.

Specification forming part of Letters Patent No. l89ql5ll, dated April3, 1877; application tiled October 19, 1876.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM W. Towson, of the city of Baltimore, in theState of Maryland, have invented certain Improvements inSkirt-Supporters, ot' which the following is a specilcation, referencebeing had to the acA companying drawing, forming a part hereof.

This invention is moreparticularly adaptable as a supporter for theskirts ot' walking or visiting dresses, the length of which renders itnecessary that the wearer should hold up with one hand a portion of theskirt to prevent its resting and dragging on the ground in walking 5 butthe invention may be applied to house-dresses, and when so used is foundto be a convenient device for house-keepers in following out the dailyroutine of their duties. Y l

The invention consists in a metallic or other plate, provided with ahook or attachment for securing it at, near, or to the dresswaistband orbelt encircling the waist, and

using the said invention.

Similar letters of reference indicate similar parts of the invention inthe different views. A is a plate of metal, vulcanizedrubber, or othersuitable material, its upper end being vbent into a hook, a, which iscaused to hook over the waistband of the skirt, or the belt encirclingthe waist, when such is worn, the plate A being preferably curved toconform to the hipof the wearer. A pin, b, may be hinged to the lowerpart of the rear of the plate A, if desiredwhich pin penetrates thedress, and enters a loop, b', on the plate A, after the manner of ashawl or other similar pin. Experience has, however, shown that thelower rectangular, in shape similar to an ordinary key-hole. The eye oreyes are used in connection with a button or buttons placed at one ormore points at or near the bottom of the skirt, basque, or overskirt;one of which buttons, chosen as the most applicable for the existingoccasion, is slipped into one of the eyes c, that one being selectedwhich is at the desired height from the ground. Instead ot' eyes andbuttons on the plate A and dress, respectively, any other suitableco-operating devices may be used, provided that a secure and convenientattachment of the dress to the plate be accomplished. The plate A, ifthe eyes be used, and where the lower pin attachment is not employed,can be stamped at one operation out of sheet metal, and is, inconsequence, cheaply manufactured. When ornamented in any optional way,or shaped to suit taste or prevailing fashion, this invention is madevery attractive in appearance, which greatly adds to its popularity. Themetal can be nickel or silver plated,goldwashed, bronzed, or otherwiserendered pleasing to the eye. For mourning dresses or subdued colors,the device, if desired, can be rendered invisible b v making it ofrubber, or coveringthe metal with leather or other dark4 material.

l claim as my invention, and wish to secure by Letters Patent of theUnited States- A skirt or dress supporter consisting of the plate A,having a waistband hook or attachment, and provided with one or moreeyes or holders, c, for receiving the looping-up buttons or devices ofthe skirt or dress, substantially as herein specified.

`*In testimony whereof I have hereto subscribed my name, in the city ofBaltimore, this 14th day of October, A. D. 1876.

WILLIAM W. TOWSON. Witnesses:

N. F. BURKE, THos. MURDooH.

